NFL’s most-maligned rookie wins over fans with impressive debut

Sure, it was just a preseason game against a second- (or third-) string Broncos defense, but the way rookie quarterback Mitchell Trubisky looked in his debut might have some doubters thinking maybe the Bears knew what they were doing when they picked him second overall in the 2017 NFL draft.

Trubisky was impressive in his first game with the Bears, going 18-25 for 166 yards (including two spikes) and one touchdown after coming on in the second quarter of Chicago’s 24-17 loss to Denver.

Veteran Mike Glennon started, threw a pick six and gave way in the second quarter to backup Mark Sanchez, who did nothing.

With about two minutes left, coach John Fox inserted Trubisky into the game and everything changed. The rookie out of North Carolina led the Bears down the field and connected with new wide out Victor Cruz for a touchdown before the half to make it 10-7.

Some fans were likely booing the fact that the Bears traded a third-rounder, a fourth-rounder and a future third-rounder to move up one spot to draft Trubisky.

While he was a projected first-rounder, he started only one year as a Tar Heel and was not the Bears’ projected top pick. Doubters were saying general manager Ryan Pace could have kept the three picks and probably still had Trubisky at No. 3, or taken Deshaun Watson (who also had a successful debut with Houston). Only time will tell if they were right.

“You can see why he was picked in the draft where he was picked in the draft,” Fox said after the game.

According to Yahoo Sports, scouts from other NFL teams were at the game and marveled at Trubisky’s balance, feet and arm.

“I thought it was fun,” Trubisky said. “It was kind of what I wanted to do. A lot of great situational work throughout this game, and that’s what I need at this point.”

He added, “Just got in a rhythm; play calling; guys were getting open; O-line did a great job giving me time; moving the pocket, and just playing within myself and the offense. Just creating rhythm.”

His teammates were impressed.

“I already knew he was a gamer,” running back Ka’Deem Carey said, according to the Chicago-Sun Times. “You put him in a game and he does what he wants. You see highlights in practice, but you go into a game, and you see it all.”

“I tell you what, the stuff he’s doing on the field right now is something that you hopefully look forward to seeing in the regular season and against better competition,” defensive end Akiem Hicks said. “He looks really good right now.”

Fox said he’s not changing the depth chart based on one preseason game, so Glennon is still the starter. But don’t be surprised if Trubisky takes his job sooner rather than later.